Munich - With the unveiling of the
BMW Concept X7 iPerformance at the IAA Cars 2017
show in Frankfurt, the BMW Group is not only pulling
back the covers on a new model concept for the
luxury segment, it is also introducing a whole new
take on luxury for the BMW brand.

The Concept X7 iPerformance embodies
this understanding of luxury in the form of a
striking exterior composed of intently focused
lines, and combines it with a generously-sized,
six-person interior pared down to the essentials:
elementary forms, high-class materials and a
state-of-the-art infotainment system brimming with
connectivity. The Concept’s iPerformance badge
denotes the presence of groundbreaking BMW eDrive
technology allied with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol
engine to create an exceptionally efficient and
dynamic plug-in hybrid powertrain that excels in all
driving situations – including running with zero
local emissions.

This study car offers
a look ahead to the future production model set to make its
debut in 2018. The forthcoming BMW X7 forms part of the largest
model offensive in the company’s history. As part of its NUMBER
ONE > NEXT strategy, the BMW Group is seeking to substantially
increase its sales and revenues in the luxury class.

The BMW X7 has a
key role to play here, as Ian Robertson, Member of
the BMW AG Management Board responsible for Sales
and Brand BMW explains: “Since BMW founded the
Sports Activity Vehicle segment with the first X5
back in 1999, every subsequent X vehicle has broken
new ground. The BMW X7 continues this tradition: the
X family’s new top model extends BMW’s offering in
the luxury class and redefines the concept of luxury
for the BMW brand and beyond. It also embodies one
of the most important elements of our corporate
strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT, to grow our presence in
the luxury class. Furthermore, the BMW Concept X7
demonstrates it’s perfectly possible to combine a
large sports activity vehicle with an electrified
drivetrain.”

The status of the BMW Concept X7
iPerformance as a luxury-class BMW SAV is instantly
apparent. The spectacular exterior, imposing
dimensions and skilfully judged proportions endow it
with an extraordinary sense of presence and an
ultra-modern aesthetic fused with innate dynamism.
“The Concept introduces the BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle DNA into the luxury segment. The new BMW
design language employs just a few, extremely
precise lines and subtle surface-work to raise the
bar in terms of presence and prestige,” explains
Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group
Design. “The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance has a
luxurious and sophisticated feel to it, thanks to
its understated use of forms and incredibly precise
details.”

The luxurious character of the BMW
Concept X7 iPerformance is brought alive by its
cabin, in particular. The vehicle’s sheer size forms
the basis for an interior experience unmatched by
any BMW past or present. As a result of the
interplay between precise, pared-down forms and an
open sense of space, the driver and passengers find
themselves immersed in a very modern setting with an
equally exclusive feel. The wealth of possibilities
offered by personalised, digital connectivity allows
the vehicle’s interior to be turned, as desired,
into a personalised place of either retreat or
productivity.

As part of its forthcoming model
offensive, BMW has developed a new presence for its
luxury cars that sees the profile and positioning of
the most exclusive members of its range refined into
a distinct product category.

The new BMW 8 Series, new BMW X7, BMW
i8 and new BMW i8 Roadster will join the BMW 7
Series in the brand’s significantly expanded luxury
segment line-up. The identity and attitude shared by
BMW’s elite models are echoed in a newly designed
logo which combines a black-and-white version of the
manufacturer’s roundel first used 100 years ago with
the company name “Bayerische Motoren Werke” written
out in full.

With its classical, understated
aesthetic and the company’s original name spelt out,
the logo highlights BMW’s inimitable history. The
boldness to explore standalone solutions and
concepts, and the ability to take on challenges and
emerge from them stronger, are deeply-rooted
elements of BMW heritage. This approach –
encompassing everything from the first
altitude-world-record-breaking aero engine to the
launch of the BMW i brand – has proven to be a
recipe for success, as well as showcasing the
company’s passion, confidence and gift for bringing
the future into the present day. The new presence
for the brand’s luxury-segment models will be
unveiled for the first time at the IAA Cars 2017
show in Frankfurt on 14 – 24 September 2017.